Earn Orbucks instantly: $1 Orbuck = $1 USD, good toward hotels
Save 10% or more on select hotels with Insider Prices
Book on the app to instantly earn 5% on 350,000+ hotels
As a major West Coast port city, Oakland is actually quite accustomed to hosting numerous business travelers. With its distinct culture, you will find plenty of things to do and places to eat between your conferences and meetings.
Take advantage of northern California’s year-round warmer weather, and go for a walk around its many outdoor areas. Lake Merritt is a huge lagoon near downtown. Jack London Square is right by the waterfront and has a few different places dedicated to The Call of the Wild writer. The Dunsmuir House and Gardens is a beautiful example of neoclassical-revival architecture and has over fifty acres of gardens.
For restaurants, you can find a number of choices in Uptown and Rockridge, though there are plenty of gems spread out around the city. In Uptown, Hopscotch specializes in a unique blend of Japanese and American cuisine. Xolo is a “Mission-style” taqueria. Flora Restaurant & Bar is close to the Oakland Museum of California and in the gorgeous Art Deco Floral Depot Building. It serves classic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Duende’s cuisine takes its inspiration from the Basque and Catalan regions of Spain. Enjoy some delicious Italian food at Parlour Restaurant. There are even some quintessential Californian mixes to the traditional dish on the menu.
In Rockridge, Wood Tavern has a number of delicious options from their house burger to gnocchi dishes. Bakesale Betty makes the most amazing fried chicken sandwiches, while lesser-known Hapuku Fish Shop will fry up a mouth-watering fish sandwich. Even vegetarians will love their options at Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers. Oliveto Café and Restaurant is renowned around the country for its simple Italian dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Do not miss the cafe downstairs, where you can take a moment to relax.
